Tri-Service
Reports: Special Forces Given Green Light To 'Swoop' On Daesh
Special Forces units have reportedly been given permission to begin covert parachute assaults against extremists again.
It's the first time these types of attack have been given the green light since the Iraq War, according to the Daily Mirror.
It also comes after the RAF performed a successful first freefall parachute trial from a C-17 Globemaster aircraft (pictured).
It can carry around 200 troops, twice as many as the smaller C-130s used for previous para-drops. A source told the newspaper:
"In Iraq and Afghanistan helicopter-borne assaults were too noisy and the enemy had prior warning an assault was underway. But a C-17 can drop off paratroopers from a long way off and, with GPS, the troops will land very close to the target area and surprise the enemy."
The decision reportedly means that SAS and Special Boat Service commandos can now be sent with small vehicles, heavy machine guns and mortars to support Kurdish and Iraqi troops fighting Daesh.
They'll be able to perform either High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) or High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) attacks from the C-17s, landing near targets in virtual silence at night.
The MoD said it does not comment on Special Forces operations, although the RAF released the following statement:
"As part of our continuing efforts to develop the maximum tactical use of our platforms, a successful first trial of military freefall parachuting from a RAF C-17 was undertaken on 12 April.
"The C-17's ability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields makes this [being able to parachute from the aircraft] a potentially valuable capability. However, it would be inappropriate to speculate on future uses as we continue with further trials and development."
American Special Forces are said to have attempted an attack on Daesh's stronghold Raqqa in Syria more than a year ago to rescue hostages but were reportedly beaten back by defenders after being alerted by helicopter noise.
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